HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BARBARA MATTESON

On 2026-09-02, Representative Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ-7) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BARBARA MATTESON" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BARBARA MATTESON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 139 (Wednesday, September 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 2, 2026)] [House] [Page H5441] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BARBARA MATTESON (Mrs. GRIJALVA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Mrs. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Barbara Matteson of Tucson, Arizona. I can't think of a major education event, rally, or protest in Tucson where I didn't see Barbara front and center. A lifelong educator, the first in her family to go to college, Barbara spent over 38 years as a classroom teacher in the Tucson Unified School Direct. As mentioned in her obituary, her ability to make learning fun and meaningful left a lasting impact. Being out and about in Tucson with Barbara inevitably meant being stopped by a former student who would share their stories of how she influenced their lives. As a union organizer and fierce advocate for public education, Barbara dedicated herself to fighting for our students, our teachers, and our schools. She showed up, She spoke up, and she never stopped standing up for what she believed was right. Barbara was not only a champion for education, she was a friend and someone who made our community stronger through her service and her commitment. To Barbara, I thank her for always fighting for our students, teachers, and schools. To Barbara's family, I thank them for sharing her with us. Mr. Speaker, may my friend rest in peace. I will always remember her. ____________________